Artwork
Flore et Zephyr, Ballet Mythologique
Flore et Zephyr, Ballet Mythologique is a print by the Romanticist artist Edward Morton. It dates from 2 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The hand‑coloured print titled *Flore et Zéphyr, Ballet Mythologique* was issued in London on 1 March 1836.
About this work
Overview
The hand‑coloured print titled *Flore et Zéphyr, Ballet Mythologique* was issued in London on 1 March 1836. It presents a satirical view of the popular ballet *Flore et Zéphire*, originally choreographed by Charles‑Louis Didelot.
Subject & Meaning
The image belongs to a set of eight caricatures that lampoon the ballet’s mythological theme, exaggerating its characters and staging to comment humorously on contemporary theatrical tastes.
Technique & Style
Engraved by E. Morton after an original drawing signed T.W., the work combines line engraving with hand‑applied colour, a common practice for illustrated prints of the period, allowing detailed shading alongside vivid accents.
Context
The underlying drawing was produced by the novelist and journalist William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863), who adopted the pseudonym Théophile Wagstaff for this series, reflecting his occasional forays into visual satire.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Morton kept a tiny printing press under his bed in Paris and ran off hand-colored lithographs at 2 a.m.
